Read More

Read More

Mid Devon up-to-date

When they were older, they met at the local operatic society shows, when David was away at sea in the Merchant Navy, he wrote to Paddy and asked her to get him a ticket for their next show, Gilbert and Sullivan’s The Gondoliers, where Paddy was their lead singer.

“When he came to the show, Paddy said it was love at first sight,” Paddy said.

They were later married at St. Dunstans Church, and honeymooned in Newquay. The couple lived in Cheam for a number of years.

After school, Paddy trained as a Secretary and worked for architects, at the same time her opera singing career had taken off, and she performed all over London. David was in the Merchant Navy, , and later became a Captain on the P&O line. He also served in the Royal Navy Reserve where he became a commander serving 39 years, and going into around 200 ports all over the world.

Read More

The couple moved to Yeoford 24 years ago, after David retired from the Navy. Paddy has had horses for over 40 years, and was an accomplished dressage rider and judge. She later looked after her sons polo ponies, and had her own horse, which she rode regularly until recently.

The couple keep involved in local affairs, both are committee members of the Chiddenbrook Surgery League of Friends. , and both worship at Crediton Parish Church. Derek is a member of the Probus Club and enjoys photography and model making, and they both love music and singing.

They have two married sons, two grandsons, and one granddaughter, who is hoping to follow in David’s footsteps and join the Navy.

Read More

They celebrated the occasion with a party with close friends, and a second get together with all their family including two of their original bridesmaids. Paddy who is an accomplished cook, has made their own diamond anniversary cake.

They both agreed that the secret to a long lasting relationship is to give and take, and their joint interests in sport, music and their family, have given them 60 very happy years.